‘Out for weeks’: Xabi Alonso confirms seismic Chelsea injury blow just days before hosting United

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Joao Pedro will be ‘out for [a] few weeks’ with a thigh injury.

As a result, he will definitely be unavailable for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Joao Pedro ruled out of United clash

It’s safe to say that it’s a seismic blow for Alonso, as Pedro is Chelsea’s top goalscorer this season with five to his name in the six Premier League appearances he’s made, as well as three assists.

He missed out against both Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur already this campaign, both of which were losses.

The Blues’ defeat to Spurs came as a shock, especially considering it was on their home soil.

Yet, United will be rocking up to the stadium on an eight-game winless streak across all competitions, so Alonso is likely to be feeling confident irrespective of Pedro’s absence.

United’s injuries before Chelsea trip

With it now confirmed that Michael Carrick will be staying in charge for the fixture, he will be planning how his side might shape up in London.

Injury-wise, he will be without Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte while they recover from long-term setbacks, and Benjamin Sesko has also been unavailable since before the September international break.

It remains to be seen if Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw will be back with the squad, though Carrick did suggest the latter would need ‘a little bit longer’ to recover, so after the November break may be more suitable.

After taking on Chelsea, United return to Champions League action with a home tie against AS Roma on Tuesday, November 3, before also hosting Aston Villa at Old Trafford on November 8.